Exclusive CBSO members' reception to meet the orchestra and conductors before the concert 'Meet the First Violins'.
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are hosting a members' reception at Symphony Hall on Wednesday 20 January 2027, starting at 6:15pm. It's called Meet the First Violins, and it's one of the CBSO's members-only events that run ahead of their concerts.
If you've never been to one, the format is pretty straightforward: you're greeted by CBSO staff, players, conductors and soloists, and the whole thing is designed to give you a bit of a behind-the-scenes look at what happens before a performance. The musicians talk through what to listen out for on stage, so when the concert actually starts, you've got a better handle on the details that might otherwise go unnoticed. It's a chance to hear from the people who actually play the music, rather than just reading the programme notes.
There's a social side to it too. These receptions double as an hour or so to meet other people who follow the orchestra and swap stories about CBSO performances past, present and future. It's a good way to find your crowd if you're new to the scene or just fancy a chat with people who share the same interest.
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One practical thing to keep in mind: places run on a first-come-first-served basis, so if you're keen, it's worth getting in early. And since it's a members' event, how many you can attend in a season depends on your membership level—from Friend and Gold Friend up to Patron, Silver Patron and Gold Patron. The reception is at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, starting at 6:15pm on Wednesday 20 January.
